SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT

Southland Times, Issue 23678, 29 November 1938, Page 8

SOCIAL SECURITY DEPARTMENT

Early Appointment Of Commissioners

MAXIMUM OF THREE . MEN

ANNOUNCEMENT PROBABLE BEFORE HOLIDAYS

(United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 28.

An indication that the administrative appointments authorized by the Social Security Act passed last session of Parliament will be made at an early date was given by, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) in an interview tonight. The Act establishes a Social Security Department which is to be administered by a commission of not more than three commissioners, acting under ministerial direction.

“The members of the Social Security Commission, who will be the principal officers of the ne'Jv Social Security Department, will have to be appointed very soon, certainly before the holidays,” said Mr Savage. “It is also desirable to have the Minister of Social Security appointed as soon as possible.” The decision of the Auckland Electric Power Board to seek from the Government an indication of its intention in relation to the retirement of employees on reaching 60 years, at which age the age-benefit will be payable under the Social Security Act, was also brought to the notice of Mr Savage. “There is nothing in the Act to say people must retire at the age of 60 and the Government has never suggested it,” said Mr Savage. “We all know there are plenty of men physically unfit at 60, while others are as fit as they can be at that age and would rather stay in employment No doubt if a man retires at 60 he leaves a place for a younger man and the development of the machine will have that effect ultimately.”